Canister Filter Questions

[MRE]

I have a 55 gallon tank that I am considering getting a canister filter for. I have always used dual HOB filters up to this point with each one rated for over 55 gallons but I am tired of having to buy a new one basically every year since the impeller ultimately gets off balance and or damaged and starts making a ton of noise. My major concern with switching to a canister filter is whether or not it will provide enough aeration for my tank. Obviously the HOB filters break the water at the surface and take care of that for me now, but I was concerned that my fish would not have enough air with just a canister filter. Any advice on this upgrade would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[poppalina]

I always use two filters also but run canisters, I also have a habit of over filtering. You can position the outlet to get surface movement which is usually enough, but my tanks also have air bubblers.

 

[Conlin2]

Then buy a air stone or a Hydor super bubbler thats what I did and run 2 canisters in my 120g

 

[ECW]

Use a spray bar on your canister if your concerned about aeration or just position the flow to ripple the surface. You could also throw in a powerhead or an air pump. It's weird that you have had such bad luck with your HOB's. I am gussing you must be running fine sand as substrate in your tanks that is getting to your impeller. Ever thought about using a prefilter on your HOB's. You could possibly get an Aquaclear and buy a filtermax prefilter to fit.

 

[we4wieners]

I have a 90g and use 2 Rena XP4's to overfilter. I adjust the spraybars towards the surface to agitate. However, I also add an air stone and hydor bubbler.

 

[Conlin2]

I run my my canister intakes 2" from the bottom of the tank with pool filter sand and I never get sand sucked in.

 

[niekomaster]

add airstone and possibly sponge filter. I love my canister. it is cheaper in long run and will last a long time for you. less noise, less work, less purchases.

 

[Oughtsix]

HOB's are easier to maintain, give you better aeration and in my opinion more bang for the buck.

I can't imagine why you are having to replace your HOB's every year. I have an Emperor 400 that I have had for nearly 10 years now. I don't like the looks of HOB's so I run sumps with a backup canister. But I pull out the Emperor if I need a some emergency chemical filtration for some reason.

I do use canisters but would never run only a canister without a sump or a hob.

 

[lp85253]

your better off with 2 hobs on a tank that size ,in most cases